“It’s preferred by the guys to get some consistency with the unit,” Caragher said. “The competition’s open. They’re both competing and doing a good job.”

Advertisement

Jurich worked exclusively with the first team Thursday, just as he did Tuesday during 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 work. Gray worked with the second team. (I wasn’t at Wednesday’s practice).

Caragher said, in particular, it’s helpful to have each quarterback consistently working with the same center.

Asked if Jurich’s first-team reps are a sign he’s pulled into the lead, Caragher said, “He is having a good camp, but Joe’s doing some good things too.”

Caragher expects to make his decision Saturday night after the team’s final scrimmage. The players could be informed Sunday during the team’s day off and the starter should begin getting all the first-team reps at Monday’s practice.

Offensive coordinator Jimmie Dougherty, a former quarterback at Missouri, said ideally the quarterback situation is settled soon to allow the starter to get the bulk of the reps.

“We’d like it to be that way and I’m sure the team would like it to be that way,” Dougherty said. “But we’re letting it play out day by day. We’re looking for that consistency factor. The guy that puts us in the best positions, gives guys chances to make plays, doesn’t turn the ball over, he does all those things that are Day 1 fundamentals. As soon as we feel good and comfortable about that, then we’ll name a guy.”

* The Spartans practiced in just shells (helmets and shoulder pads) on Thursday as Caragher decided to back off after Wednesday’s two-a-day session. That was the last of only two two-a-days for SJSU this camp.

“The tempo we’re running we can get everything done in the shells,” Caragher said. “It keeps the guys a little bouncy and gives them a little boost of energy.”

Promising freshman Justin Holmes remains out after suffering a concussion in Saturday’s scrimmage. K.C. Pearce was also out with a groin injury and Chris Kearney with an ankle injury, but Caragher said none of them appear serious.

Advertisement

* Redshirt freshman offensive lineman/tight end Nico Aimonetti had shoulder surgery and is out for the season, Caragher said.

* Saturday’s final scrimmage of camp also includes the team’s annual FanFest. Gates open at 4 p.m., with the scrimmage starting at 4:30. Admission is free and free parking is available in the Seventh Street lot. Concession stands will be open.

The FanFest begins after the scrimmage at 6 p.m. and offers opportunities to meet the players and get autographs and photos. At 7:30 p.m., the Quarterback Club will host a “Feed the Players” dinner, which costs $40 for non Quarterback Club members.

Seems to be so many injuries! Maybe there have always been this many, but I just didn’t know because there was no Spartan Central in the past with such detailed coverage of the Spartans. Thanks Jimmy for all of the info.!

Evan P

I’m curious to the causes of the injury bug as well. Is this rate similar to previous pre-seasons?

What is the take on Gary Uribe? I know he was a coach at Auburn. Have the players gained more mass than in previous seasons?

Spartanmom

As always, thank you for the great updates. I am assuming the WR injuries are not severe. Who else played well with the starters sitting out?

Jimmy Durkin

Daniel Bradbury had one outstanding catch in which he dove to catch a low pass along the sideline. Tim Crawley also, not unexpectedly, had a good day and Jourdan Soares made some plays.

None of these injuries appear to be serious. Winston is expected back tomorrow. Obviously the concussion to Holmes is a little concerning, but he should be OK in another week or so max. Chris Kearney’s is the most serious and even he is already back jogging.

Tdmaximus

Will Bradbury and Kearney see some playing time at receiver this year?They have talent but don’t seem like they are breaking through

Jimmy Durkin

I think Bradbury definitely will. Kearney’s ankle injury doesn’t help his cause right now. Someone needs to be the No. 3 receiver behind Winston and Carr. My money is on Holmes being that guy, but guys like Bradbury and Wilson could get a shot, along with of course Crawley and Ervin playing the slot, although Ervin is getting some RB looks now too.

Andrew Pang

I read previously that Billy Freeman isn’t doing contact drills. Is it due to injury?

Still don’t understand this quarterback situation. Gray is head and shoulders above Jurich.

BananaSpartan

This is interesting and somewhat unexpected to most of the fan base. I do think that it’s essential to have 2 QBs at the ready (one doesn’t play well or one gets injured). If the goal is to have Fieber and Watson redshirt, then Jurich and/or Gray must carry the load this season.

Jimmy, do you think that the coaches feel that Gray, at least through the first couple of games, may be better suited coming off the bench than Jurich would? Having Jurich taking the #1 snaps tells me that the coaches are prepared to play 2 QBs early in the season.

Although I’ve felt that Gray would be the #1, I’m very happy for Jurich. This is a kid who has worked so hard to get this chance, and it appears he’s seized the moment. Maybe he’s one of the first seniors this year who’s had that light switch on and is just going all out knowing that his SJSU football career will be ending in just 4 months.

Jimmy Durkin

I don’t necessarily think this means Jurich has won the job. Caragher said he wants guys working with the same unit so they can get consistent work with the same guys, which helps them be more comfortable and helps the evaluation process. If they are going to split them up, it’s only natural to give the senior the first team and the junior the second team. They’ve pretty much always gone in that order. My eyes still tell me Gray is the leader, but Jurich has closed the gap. The beauty of this all is we’ll know soon enough.